Beige Book's Bidenflation Blahs
The Beige Book, produced by the Federal Reserve, reveals slight economic growth but growing concerns over inflation and supply chain disruptions. Americans are tightening discretionary spending, auto loan demand is high due to inventory overload, and home sales are up. Businesses are struggling to pass cost increases onto consumers, leading to smaller profit margins. Labor supply is up, but there's a shortage of skilled labor applicants. Wage growth is at pre-pandemic levels, insurance rates are rising, and Bidenomics is causing issues in the nonprofit sector.